CHAMBERS of Commerce from across the region are joining forces in the battle against bureaucracy and red tape.

They will launch a mobile advice unit in the Market Square, Ripon, North Yorkshire, next Friday.

The city, which lies on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, was chosen for the launch as the project is aimed at rural businesses as well as those in urban areas.

The mobile unit will provide an advice surgery to small and medium-sized businesses within the region's cities, market towns, business parks and industrial estates during the next 12 months.

The chief executive of the Yorkshire and Humber Chambers of Commerce, Mike Hathaway, said: "It is most disconcerting to learn of the 'red tape' problems that businesses encounter, so we are determined to do something about it proactively.

"As the mobile advice unit and helpline are now becoming operational, and our staff ready, willing and able to help businesses, I would urge them to use our service. Our help comes at every business owner's favourite price - completely free of charge."

The Yorkshire and Humber Chambers of Commerce are at the forefront of a campaign to help businesses to reduce the legislative red tape problems that they encounter.

Backed and funded by the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, they have developed the 18-month Red Tape Project, which will end in July next year.